Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

September 27-October 3, 2015

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, and Milwaukee Public Library is proud to join in this celebration. Banned Books Week builds awareness of the importance of free expression and the dangers of censorship. 

History of Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982 according to the American Library Association. There were 311 challenges reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2014, and many more go unreported. 

Celebrate Banned Books Week with a Banned Book!

The American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom compiles a list   annually of the most frequently challenged books in the United States. 

The top ten most frequently challenged books of 2014 are shown below. Click on their cover for a description and to find the book at your Milwaukee Public Library.

Click here to see previous year's most challenged books.

Show us your spirit on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Share your Banned Books Week reads on social media using the #bannedbooksweek hashtag!